Taj Mahal

The Taj Mahal, located on the banks of the Yamuna River in Agra, is one of the most iconic monuments in the world and a timeless symbol of love. Built in 1632 by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, this white marble masterpiece is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and counted among the Seven Wonders of the World.

Constructed over a period of 20 years by thousands of artisans, the monument reflects the finest example of Mughal architecture, blending Persian, Islamic, and Indian styles. The central dome rises gracefully above the marble mausoleum, surrounded by four elegant minarets. The walls are decorated with intricate carvings, Quranic inscriptions, and delicate inlay work using semi-precious stones.

As the sunlight changes throughout the day, the Taj Mahal appears to change colors — soft pink in the morning, dazzling white during the day, and golden under the moonlight. The symmetrical Mughal gardens, reflecting pool, and peaceful ambiance enhance the beauty of this architectural wonder.

Visitors from around the world come here not just to witness its beauty but to experience the emotion, history, and craftsmanship behind its creation. Sunrise and sunset are considered the best times to visit, offering magical photographic opportunities.

One of the seven wonders of the world, Taj Mahal is located on the banks of River Yamuna in Agra. It was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as a memorial for his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It also houses the tomb of Shah Jahan himself. Constructed entirely out of white marble in the 17th century, Taj Mahal is one of the most beautiful monuments in the world. Every year visitors numbering more than the entire population of Agra pass through the magnificent gates to catch a glimpse of this breathtaking monument!

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Taj Mahal stands for the Crown of Palaces in the Persian language. The tomb is laid out in a rectangular shape and can be approached through a massive gateway which has an arch and alcoves on either side of it. There are water channels and fountains in the entrance which makes the monument even more spectacular. The reflection of this majestic spectacle in the Yamuna is almost poetic in its perfection!

Covering an area of approximately 42 Acres, the construction of the Taj Mahal began in 1631 and it took 17 years before it was completed in 1648! It was constructed using white marble obtained from Makrana in Rajasthan.

Inside Taj Mahal 

The Taj Mahal can be accessed through east, west and south gates. Inside the grounds, the ornamental gardens are set on the classic Mughal charbagh lines (formal Persian garden). The monument stands on a raised marble platform at the northern end of the garden, facing its back to the Yamuna River. Its raised position is a masterstroke design as it leaves only the sky as its backdrop. Each corner of the platform is graced with 40m high white minarets. Taj itself is made of semi-translucent white marble, inlaid with thousands of semi-precious stones and carved with flowers. The four indistinguishable faces of the Taj are in perfect symmetry, featuring impressive vaulted arches containing pietra dura scrollwork and the quotations from the Quran. The whole structure is topped off by four small domes.

The cenotaph of Mumtaz Mahal lies directly below the main dome. It is an elaborate false tomb which is surrounded by an elegant marble screen inlaid with various types of semi-precious stones, offsetting the symmetry of the Taj. The light enters the central chamber through finely cut marble screens. These tombs are false tombs as the real tombs of Mumtaz Mahal, and Shah Jahan lies in a locked room below the main chamber.

The complex houses a red sandstone mosque to the west which is a significant gathering place for the Muslims residing in Agra. There is an identical building to the east, the Jawab, which was built to maintain symmetry. Within the Taj lies the small Taj Museum which houses many original Mughal miniature paintings. Its primary attraction is a pair of 17th-century ivory portraits of the emperor Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal. It also has some Caledon plates which are said to split into pieces or change colour if the food served on them contains poison.

How To Reach Taj Mahal 

Reaching Taj Mahal and getting around Agra can be done in tongas, electric buses and tempos. There are also auto rickshaws and state buses. In order to minimise the effects of pollution on the monument, vehicles are not allowed in the vicinity of Taj and need to be parked in the parking lots that are at a short distance from the mausoleum. There are non-electric tourist buses for visitors from the parking lot.

Taj Mahal and the Agra Fort are quite close to each other, and if it's not too sunny you can just walk between the two. Otherwise, there are a lot of autos and battery-powered rickshaws plying between the two major monuments that charge a minimum amount.